Equestrian Sport is a fascinating and complex partnership between horse and rider, requiring strength, agility, endurance – both physical and mental. Each discipline presents its own distinct challenges that canContinue reading “Equestrian Sports Physical Therapy”
Category Archives: Human
Are you strengthening your riding asymmetries?
We all have them, why does it matter? Our bodies are pretty good at adapting and compensating for our short comings, whether it be long standing pain, short term pain,Continue reading “Are you strengthening your riding asymmetries?”
Does your squat measure up?
Squats are an essential exercise for any equestrian who wants to perform their best, as well as to reduce the risk of injury. A squat is a simple functional movement that can indicate biomechanical issues that will have an effect on rider position. A squat will tell you if your hamstrings, glutes, core, and/or spinal muscles are weak which will cause you to fall forward in the saddle.
Reduce Your Chances of Equestrian Injuries
Horseback riding is a dangerous sport. Equestrians are in constant danger of broken bones, torn muscles, and more. Working with a Maryland physical therapy clinic is one of the best ways to reduce your chances of injury during any equine activity.
The Impact of a Desk Job on Equestrian Biomechanics
Did you know that a sedentary lifestyle can lead to arthritis, depression, and obesity? Obviously, none of those things are particularly beneficial at the barn. A Doctor of Physical Therapy can help you build functional human biomechanics that support you in your riding career.
What to Expect During a Physical Therapy Rider Assessment
Have you ever wondered what stops you from achieving your greatest riding performance? Then a Physical Therapy Rider Assessment is for you! This comprehensive evaluation of your body helps to accurately identify structural asymmetries, muscle imbalances, and compensatory movement patterns.
COVID-19 Precautions at the PES Clinic
Want to continue with your equestrian physical therapy sessions during the pandemic? At the PES clinic, we’re making it safe for you to do so.
Treatment Strategies for Equestrian Physical Therapy
Generic online equestrian exercise programs and the occasional massage at a spa are not equestrian physical therapy. Read this blog to find out exactly what treatment strategies a Doctor of Physical Therapy will use and what to expect with each one.
Why you need a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Riding Instructor
Do you have to choose between a Doctor of Physical Therapy and a riding instructor? You can actually get the biggest benefit by working with both. A Doctor of Physical Therapy is there to help you learn more about you and your horse’s biomechanics, how they may be impacting your riding, and how you can strengthen weak areas to prevent injury and prolong your career.
Rider Anatomy Lessons: Muscle Form and Function
Do you know the names of the muscles you use when you ride? Or why most equestrians have well-developed inner thigh muscles? Learn how your anatomy is impacting your riding performance with the help of a licensed physical therapist.
5 Signs You Need a Physical Therapist
Struggling with pain while riding? Stuck at the same level? Walking into a physical therapist’s clinic is the first step to solving your riding problems. Here’s how to tell if it’s time for you to make an appointment.
I Don’t Give a Squat
Are you looking to add squats into your exercise routine? Squats are a great exercise for equestrians looking to build strength out of the saddle. However, there are three big mistakes that equestrian physical therapists see a lot of people making. Click to find out if you’re guilty of one of these three mistakes.
How Cardio Fitness Impacts Riding
Very few people enjoy pounding pavement in an effort to build cardiovascular fitness. But, in order to be a good partner to our horses, cardio fitness is essential. The good news is you don’t have to run in order to be in good shape
Unlock the Mystery of Your Hips: How Hip Muscles Impact your Ride
An independent, soft, fluid seat is one of the most sought after attributes of an exceptional horseback rider. If our hip and pelvis stabilizing muscles are not working properly, this becomes nearly impossible.
Head to your equestrian sport physical therapist’s office to find out how you can unlock the mystery of your hips and take your riding to the next level.
Equestrians & The Mobility-Stability Continuum
Equestrians must have complete control over the stability and mobility of their joints in the saddle. In the space of just a few seconds, we must be capable of increasing our stability or soften with more mobility in the joints, particularly the hip.
When your joints aren’t able to support you, your performance can drop significantly and you and your horse suffer as a result.
Announcing the Physio Equine Solutions Physical Therapy Clinic
After a long spring of COVID craziness, I’m so excited to announce that the Physio Equine Solutions physical therapy clinic will be opening this August! Previously, PES at Shields’ Fields Farm was only able to offer in-patient physical therapy services for horses. Now, horses and their riders can come to Shields’ Fields Farm to get the physical therapy treatment they need.
Check out the blog below for all the information you need on the new clinic.
How Muscle Activation Impacts Your Riding
Equestrians know that the accusation, “Horseback riders just sit there” is anything but true. The reality is that activating the right muscles at the right time with the right level of strength is everything in the saddle.
Click below to find out just how incorrect muscle activation could be holding you back.
Do You Need to See a Chiropractor or a Physical Therapist?
One day you’re riding along when you start to feel pain in your ankles. It grows worse over every following ride, until eventually you’re in serious pain when you ride. How do you fix the problem? Where do you start?
Help Your Horse Find Balance
There are lots of reasons for our horses to be asymmetrical. Asymmetries can be related to conformation, movement patterns, and even poor quality riding. Over time, these imbalances can leadContinue reading “Help Your Horse Find Balance”
The Art of Increasing Your Flexibility
Do you shorten one side of your torso while riding? If so, you could be struggling with flexibility issues. The good news is that with some hard work and a little patience, you don’t have to deal with flexibility issues. Sports physical therapy can help.